No Sunshine: 3 Unexpected Places to Get Sun Damage

A little sunshine is good, but too much can be fatal. It’s no secret that exposure to sun’s harsh ultraviolet rays can cause skin problems, melanoma being the most serious.

But most people have a misconstrued notion of UV exposure, often thinking about summer days at Wanganui beaches, with little shade and protection for the body. The truth is you can be exposed to sun damage even when you’re not out at the beach. Here are some of the places you probably least expect to experience sun damage:

At Home or Your Office

UV light can still enter through your windows. A lot of homeowners like to let in as much natural light, as it brightens up their homes. But if you’re exposed to too much, it can put you at risk to premature skin ageing. In the case of offices, in one study, participants exhibited sun damage symptoms like wrinkles and sagging skin even when they work indoors. Such symptoms manifested on one side of the face, the portion that’s usually near the windows.

It’s important then for homeowners and business owners alike to pay attention to their windows, the most common entry point of UV light, to protect their families and employees. Install window tinting in your Wanganui space, experts recommend, to block 99% of UV light.

In the Car

Similarly, when you’re in the car, the sun’s harsh UV rays can still reach your skin through windows. One study observed that people who drove vehicles for work experienced sun damage in just one side of the face. In most of the participants’ vehicles, the windshields are laminated, which blocks UV light, but the back and side windows aren’t, explaining the skin problem.

So just because you’re inside the car doesn’t mean it’s okay to ditch the sunscreen. Splatter some on, especially on the face. Give your car the TLC it needs as well, with window tinting.

On the Ski Mountain

Yes, even in cold environments, you’re still at risk. The sun doesn’t hide when you’re out in the cold. In fact, the snow reflects the sun’s UV rays. And because you’re at a higher altitude, there’s also greater UV radiation. The best thing to prevent sun damage on the ski mountain is to wear protective gear and of course, sunscreen.

You can be at risk for skin damage even when it’s not hot outside, or you’re just staying indoors. Protect yourself from these risks.